'The Big Bang Theory' Is in Big Trouble Following Rating Disaster

A new report suggests that the long-running CBS sitcom may be 'on its last legs,' adding that some actors are 'itching' to exit the comedy.

Dec 29, 2017

AceShowbiz - Massive egos and raging jealousy reportedly caused a big behind-the-scenes chaos on CBS' long-running comedy "The Big Bang Theory". Radar Online reported that tensions exploded following rating disaster in the series' season 11, adding that the show might be "on its last legs."

"Many of the cast members have gotten swelled heads," said a show insider. "Some of the other actors aren't happy about it."

The chaos seemingly was big enough as the insider claimed that "The Big Bang Theory", which stars Emmy-winning Jim Parsons, would end after season 12. Despite their million-dollars-an-episode salaries, some cast members were allegedly "itching" to exit the series, according to the insider.

Parsons got himself a gig on "The Big Bang Theory" spin-off "Young Sheldon", on which he serves as narrator. It reportedly annoyed his "Big Bang" co-stars Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki, who portray Penny and Leonard Hofstadter respectively. "It's no secret Kaley thinks of herself as the show's big draw," said the source.

Meanwhile, Galecki allegedly was "silently simmering" over Parsons' status as TV's highest paid star, earning $27.5 million a year. In order to soothe his ruffled feathers, CBS executives set his upcoming comedy titled "By the Book" to premiere in February 2018. "Jim and Johnny both have wealthy new deals now," said the source, before adding, "and that's turned a lot of the others off!"

In the first week of December, "The Big Bang Theory" only managed to draw a 2.5 rating in adults 18-49, marking the show's lowest rating. However, the comedy bounced back by garnering a 2.8 rating in the key demo and pulling in 14.3 million viewers the next week. It redeemed itself by being the top-rated and most-watched scripted show of the night.

"The Big Bang Theory" season 11 returns on Thursday, January 4 at 8 P.M. on CBS.